If you want the freedom to go around without to have to take a taxi…
Best things to do in Khao Lak
What to do in Khao Lak?
Introduction
Khao Lak is world renowned as a scuba diving mecca; with its beautiful coral reefs, and rich marine life, not to mention being the nearest port to the amazing Similan Islands, it has been pulling divers in from all over the world for years. What really makes Khao Lak special is that unlike a lot of other top diving destinations, where your only options are to eat, sleep, and dive, Khao Lak offers a rich diverse culture and beautiful nature with plenty of things to do when you are out of the water. So aside from diving, what are the best things to do in Khao Lak?
Beaches
If you like a long stroll on a pristine beach, then Khao lak is the place for you. There are several outstanding beaches in and around the area. The most famous of these are Pak Weep Beach and White Sands Beach. Not only do both beaches offer beautiful settings, but there are plenty of eateries around, they are a perfect place for a swim and walk washed down with a tasty lunch.
Read more on our full article about: What beach to visit in Khao Lak?
Waterfalls
Keeping with our nature theme, there are plenty of waterfalls in and around Khao Lak. Since most people visit during the dry season, they tend not to be at their raging best, but nevertheless they are well worth a visit. The closest waterfall is the Tong Chong Fa waterfall. This secluded idyllic place is great to while the hours away and have a swim in its refreshing waters.
Read more on our full article about: Khao Lak Waterfalls
Turtles Please!
Who does not love turtles? To get to see these absolutely adorable creatures there is nothing better than a visit to the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Sea Turtle Nursery. This nursery is located about 15 minutes outside Khao Lak, and has various pools where the turtles are rehabilitated until they can fend for themselves and then be released back into the wild. If you can’t get your turtle fill there, there is another turtle sanctuary a little further away. The second is in Thai Muang, about 40 minutes away from Khao Lak, and is operated under the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development department. Here they care for eggs laid at local nesting sites, as well as rehabilitating sick and injured animals. In addition, the sanctuary also has its own breeding programme. This center also breeds other fish such as anemone fish and sea horses, to be sold to aquariums to help fund the sanctuary.
Read more on our full article about: Khao Lak Turtle Farm
Spas and Massages
After a day diving, at the beach, clambering around waterfalls, what better way to relax than a relaxing session in a spa? Thai massages have ancient roots and are even considered to have spiritual origins. In and around Khao Lak there are many great spas offerings massages and other relaxing treatments. One of the great things about the spas is that they combine both western pampering with Thai healing traditions.
Read more on our full article about: Thai Massage
Cooking classes
If you are not already in love with Thai food, you will be by the time your first week in Thailand is over. The best way to capture some of the magic of Thai food and take it back home with you is by participating in one of the many cooking classes available in Khao Lak. Most of these classes teach authentic Thai home cooking, and are conducted in private residences. By the time your course is over, you will definitely learn to whip up a few delicious dishes, what better way to take back some Thai food magic with you?
Read more on our full article about: Thai Cuisine
Nature Tours
Being in the middle of a tropical paradise, there are many options open to you in Kho Lak. There are plenty of tours running to national parks, river rafting, and other outdoor pursuits. One of the best available tours is to Khao Sok national park. You can take day trips as well as overnight trips to Khao Sok. In Khao Sok, you can indulge in jungle trekking, rafting, and even Elephant trekking. A word of caution – if you opt for elephant trekking, research you company carefully to ensure that they are reputable and treat their animals well.
Read more on our full article about: Khao Lak Tours
The International Tsunami museum
A visit to Khao Lak would not be complete without a trip to the international tsunami museum. This poignant place remembers and honours the victims of the tsunami in 2004. The sheer power and devastation is driven home just outside by the presence of Thai Navy patrol boat T-813. This large military vessel was swept more than 2 Km inland by the tsunami! The area where it came to rest has been renovated and is now home to the museum commemorating this sad Read more on our full article about: Khao Lak Tsunami
Overall, Khao lak is not just a diving destination – it is an idyllic tourist place to visit that as a bonus happens to be also the home of some world class diving.
What is the best way to get to Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is about 750 Km away from Bangkok, by bus or taxi it is a 12-hour journey, although it is also possible to self-drive to and from Bangkok. Be aware that driving at night is not recommended due to the bad lighting conditions. There are plenty of VIP and First Class buses that go from Bangkok to Phuket, and some stop in Khao Lak on the way. By far the easiest and most convenient way is by air from Bangkok to Phuket international airport. Once in Phuket, you are only 55 minutes away by taxi or car from Khao Lak. You can easily get a taxi from Phuket or in a lot of cases, your hotel/dive operator etc., can arrange for a pick up from Phuket airport.
So what species of turtles can I see when I visit?
Of the seven species of marine turtles, 5 species are found in Thai waters, although the loggerhead turtle has not been sighted for around 15 years. You are very likely to encounter a green turtle while diving and snorkeling, and have a good chance of also running in the Hawksbill turtle. If you are a little bit luckier then you could bump into an Olive Ridley turtle. Those born under the right star sign might even have an encounter with the impressive Leatherback turtle. All turtles in Thailand are protected under international and Thai law.
How many different kinds of Thai massages are there?
As you delve deeper into the world of Thai Massages, it becomes apparent that it is a huge area of expertise. Massage in Thailand has a healing, spiritual nature to it, with treatments that cover every inch of the body as well as individual systems within the body. Aside from the traditional Thai massage, there are also foot reflexology, Warm Stone Massages, Circulation flow Massages, Aromatherapy Massages, and Lymphatic Drainage Massages, to name but a few. Overall, nothing quite wraps up a day in Khao Lak like a relaxing massage.
What happened during the Tsunami of 2004?
On Boxing Day (26th December) at 9 am, there was a 9.1-9.3 megathrust earthquake near the island of Sumatra. It was the third largest earthquake ever recorded, and it resulted in a huge tsunami wave sweeping the shores of southeast Asia. Indonesia was the hardest hit by the tsunami, followed by Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. The result was one of the deadliest natural disaster in recorded history. Coastal communities were decimated, with over 230,000 casualties in 14 countries.
Things to do in khao lak when it rains?
There is plenty of things to do when it rains, one of the best is scuba diving, underwater you are already wet!
Khao Lak Sightseeing
The easiest for going sightseeing in Khao Lak is to rent a bike for the day of a private taxi to go around.
Any shopping center or shopping in Khao Lak?
There is no shopping center, if you want a big mall try Phuket, for small shopping there is plenty of local shops, markets and souvenir shops.
Connect with Khao Lak Explorer
WhatsApp +66 611195733
Line khaolakexplorerdive
Viber +66 611195733
WeChat Khao-Lak-Explorer
#KhaoLakExplorer
@KhaoLakExplorer
©2023 Khao Lak Explorer
Created by Khao Lak Explorer